Financial Audit Director scoops Leading Wales Award

Ann-Marie Harkin has won a Leading Wales Award in recognition of what judges called her ‘clear vision’ and her work to develop the next generation of public sector finance professionals.

Ann-Marie was acknowledged in the ‘Women in Leadership’ category at the ceremony that took place in Cardiff’s Hilton Hotel.

Ann-Marie has been recognised for her pioneering work on learning and development, which includes setting up a new pan-Wales trainee scheme – an idea she formed and developed.

The scheme is part of a fundamental reshaping of the Wales Audit Office, with the organisation aiming to recruit up to 12 trainees every year on four year contracts.

Trainees in the scheme will experience a substantial secondment during their training contract to another part of the Welsh public sector, to gain broader experience than one organisation can provide. This is the first time something of this kind has been done in Wales and the secondments are due to begin in September 2016.

Assistant Auditor General and Head of Financial Audit Practice, Anthony Barrett said:

“This is a well deserved award for a visionary and hard working individual. Ann-Marie is passionate about public service and about attracting, inspiring and developing the next generation of finance professionals. She is well aware that these trainees are key to building a successful and sustainable public sector for people in Wales.”

Financial Audit Director, Ann-Marie Harkin said of her win:

“I’m surprised and thrilled to receive this award. It’s a real honour to win in the Women in Leadership category and I thank all of my colleagues who are working so hard to help me make this new approach to learning and development a reality.”